Dear Friends:
We’re getting ready for the return of Jack Patterson in The Eighteenth Green. Many of you have written or emailed me to ask how can a devoted fan make this fourth book in the series a success. Besides keeping letters and emails coming here are a few ideas:
First: Preorder the books. Amazon and other online sellers determine how much publicity to give a book based on preorders. If you would like autographed first editions preorder the book at webbhubbell.com. A preorder is not a firm commitment, all booksellers will refund your money if you change your mind. I will refund your money if you are unhappy for any reason before or after delivery of the book. I am also a big fan of independent bookstores, so do not hesitate to walk into your favorite bookstore and ask that they reserve a copy. Reserves carry the same weight as preorders. By the way, if I am in you area and even if you didn’t buy your book from me I will be happy to autograph.
Second: It is not necessary to have read the first three books in the series, When Men Betray, Ginger Snaps, and A Game of Inches to enjoy The Eighteenth Green, but this summer is a perfect time to catch up on the series. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and some local bookstores are offering deep discounts these days. Take advantage and then bring them to a book signing near you and I am happy to sign those as well. My website doesn’t offer discounts because I don’t want to undercut local booksellers.
Third: Stars matter. Write a review of your favorite Jack Patterson novel and please give it five stars. New books — especially those published by Independent publishers need five stars. They also need them everywhere — Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, etc. I hate to ask, but the publishing business is a strange world and five star reviews mean more than they should. As an aside if you don’t like the book, which is always a possibility, I will not be offended if you write me a note or send me an email, but please don’t give me a bad review. I had one man write that he hadn’t read the book but he just knew he wouldn’t like it. His one star review counts just as much as the five star review I received from my wife who did read the book.
Events: Watch my website for events in your area. Nothing can be more lonely than sitting in a big bookstore for two hours and nobody dropping by to even say hello. I want to meet you, and besides book stores notice which author draws a crowd. Please come, bring friends and family.
Speaking Opportunities: In 2017, my calendar was filled with speaking engagements around the country. I spoke to law schools about special prosecutors, at churches about the life changing and spiritual experience of spending time in prison, to civic organizations about the importance of organ donation, to business groups and colleges about My Journey Without Maps, and literary and library groups about writing novels. Contact me at [email protected] to arrange for me to speak to your organization or institution. I also love to talk to book clubs and community groups in the Charlotte area. I have a new book club appearance this July and am excited to meet with the group and talk about Jack Patterson.
Questions: Please use the comments section of this website to ask questions or make a comment or email me at [email protected] and follow me on Twitter at @WebbHubbell. I see them all and will try to respond to any reasonable question.
Until my next post all the very best. Webb